Beyond and Back: The X Anthology cover

Beyond and Back: The X Anthology

X · 1997

138 min · 47 tracks · alternative rock

A dynamic blend of punk energy and alternative rock that captures the raw spirit of a transformative era in music.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Los Angeles — As one of their most iconic tracks, this song embodies X's gritty storytelling and punk ethos while showcasing their signature sound.
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    Hungry Wolf — This track stands out for its haunting imagery and powerful narrative, reflecting the band's ability to blend personal themes with societal commentary.
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    Nausea — A quintessential expression of youthful angst, this song captures the essence of X’s punk roots while resonating deeply with listeners' struggles.
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    The New World — This track marks a pivotal moment in their evolution, embracing a more mature sound while retaining their rebellious spirit, showcasing growth.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic collection of quick bursts
  • wave-like pacing with varied energy
  • poetic introspection amidst frenetic energy
  • ideal for late-night drives
  • for sing-along moments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, immersive albums
  • want consistent tempo throughout

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1997, Beyond and Back: The X Anthology serves as a retrospective compilation highlighting X's influential career spanning over two decades. This collection arrives after their commercial peak in the 1980s and showcases the band's evolution through various phases, including their transition into alternative rock as they continued to influence new generations of musicians.
Stylistic neighbors
The Stooges· Refused· Fugazi

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Los Angeles 2:23
  • 2 The World's a Mess; It's in My Kiss 3:53
  • 3 Yr Ignition 2:57
  • 4 Year One 1:17
  • 5 Hungry Wolf 3:49
  • 6 We're Desperate 2:00
  • 7 Beyond & Back 2:45
  • 8 Back 2 the Base 1:30
  • 9 Blue Spark 2:12
  • 10 Some Other Time 2:22
  • 11 Sex and Dying in High Society 2:17
  • 12 Motel Room in My Bed 2:41
  • 13 Heater 2:32
  • 14 The Once over Twice 2:53
  • 15 Because I Do 2:24
  • 16 In This House that I Call Home 3:35
  • 17 Soul Kitchen 2:33
  • 18 Universal Corner 4:09
  • 19 Delta 88 1:25
  • 20 Real Child of Hell 2:59
  • 21 I'm Coming Over 1:21
  • 22 White Girl 3:29
  • 23 Nausea 3:05
  • 24 Johny Hit and Run Paulene 2:57
  • 25 Your Phone's Off the Hook, But You're Not 2:26
  • 26 Riding with Mary 3:59
  • 27 Nausea (Spoken Word - End of Show Recording) 1:59

Disc 2

  • 1 The New World 3:37
  • 2 Breathless 2:16
  • 3 Poor Girl 2:53
  • 4 What's Wrong with Me 3:44
  • 5 How I (Learned My Lesson) 2:20
  • 6 The Have Nots 4:45
  • 7 Someone Like You 3:04
  • 8 The Stage 3:57
  • 9 See How We Are 3:31
  • 10 Surprise Surprise 2:52
  • 11 4th of July 3:18
  • 12 Arms For Hostages/Country at War 1:53
  • 13 Wild Thing 3:31
  • 14 Burning House of Love 3:43
  • 15 Devil Doll 3:13
  • 16 True Love 2:14
  • 17 Call of the Wreckin' Ball 2:56
  • 18 In The Time It Takes 3:07
  • 19 I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts 5:37
  • 20 Hungry Wolf (instrumental) 3:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata